Olson Judge Refuses to Classify SLA as Terrorist Group

The judge presiding over Sara Jane Olson’s conspiracy trial refused Thursday to recognize the Symbionese Liberation Army as a terrorist organization that posed a threat to public safety and engaged in violent activity.

As a result, prosecutors will present extensive evidence at pretrial hearings next week to explain why authorities conducted initial searches of San Francisco apartments used by SLA members without the proper warrants.

That evidence could include testimony on the SLA and the organization’s alleged crimes. Defense attorneys have asked the judge to keep bomb-making materials and guns out of the trial.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Larry Fidler also decided to allow fingerprint and handwriting evidence. Defense attorneys had asked the judge to exclude the evidence, arguing that it was not scientifically reliable. But Fidler said prosecutors can present experts and the defense can challenge those experts or present its own.

In addition, defense attorney Shawn Chapman said outside court that she is considering putting Olson on the stand as a witness. “She has sat silent for a long time,” she said. “She’s anxious to testify.”

Olson is charged with conspiring to kill Los Angeles Police Department officers in 1975 by planting bombs under two patrol cars. She was arrested in 1999 in Minnesota.